Engine cooling system

Abstract

An improved cooling system for a turbo charged internal combustion engine is disclosed. A conduit connects a pressurizing engine air intake to the cooling system to raise the pressure in the cooling system thereby enabling an increase of the maximum temperature which coolant in the cooling system can reach. An electronically controlled valve selectively places the expansion tank in communication with the pressurizing engine air intake to maintain a desired pressure in the tank and to prevent back flow of fluid into the engine air intake.

Description

RELATED BACK[0001]This is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 360,156, filed on Feb. 6, 2003, which is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 09 / 788,874, filed Feb. 20, 2001.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to engine cooling systems and more particularly to a novel and improved cooling system in an internal combustion engine.BACKGROUND ART[0003]The development of internal combustion engines for reduced exhaust emissions has resulted in significant increases in the amount of heat dissipation into engine cooling systems.[0004]Traditionally, increases in the required amount of heat dissipation has been accomplished by improving the radiator cooling capacity through increasing the core size of the radiator. In addition, increased coolant and cooling air flow have been used to deal with the increase in required heat dissipation.[0005]Packaging space for larger radiator cores and high energy consumption due to increased coolant and cooling air flow limit t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved engine cooling system that uses air pressure from an external source to increase the coolant temperature. The system includes a flow control valve and a restrictor to dampen pressure decay. An electric or pneumatic switch can be used to control the flow of coolant based on coolant pressure, temperature, engine load parameters, and duty cycles. The system also includes a two directional valve and pressure sensors for precise pressure control. The invention allows for diagnosis and continued use of the engine cooling system even in case of malfunction. The technical effects of the invention include improved cooling efficiency, reduced pressure decay, and improved control accuracy."

Problems solved by technology

The development of internal combustion engines for reduced exhaust emissions has resulted in significant increases in the amount of heat dissipation into engine cooling systems.

Packaging space for larger radiator cores and high energy consumption due to increased coolant and cooling air flow limit the amount of heat dissipation capacity increase that can be accomplished with these traditional approaches.

Such systems are passive and vulnerable to leaks.

These systems typically use pressure relief and pressure control to the ambient atmosphere, that causes constant or frequent air flow through to the tank or pressure source resulting in oxidization of coolant and scavenging.

In addition, the external pressure is constantly applied, resulting in parasitic losses at the pressure source.

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